Friends,
It looks like we have a gorgeous Mother's Day and Fishing Opener weekend to look forward to weather-wise. I hope you have the opportunity to get out and enjoy it and maybe I'll see you at the Osseo Car Show on Saturday (see more on that below.) At the Capitol, we've began to passed most our budget bills out of the House and they're on their way to the Governor. We plan to finish this process on Monday when Governor Dayton will have an entire set of balanced budget bills to sign into law. While he has not shown a willingness to negotiate in earnest to get the budget complete and on time, it is our hope the Governor will finally engage. Below you can read about the highlights of a few key bills as you enjoy the weekend.
Rep. Smith (right) with a constituent and Speaker Daudt (left) at the Speaker's Rostrum
Tax Relief & Reform Plan
Our tax plan provides over $1.1 billion in long-overdue tax relief for middle-class Minnesotans. Included in the bill are two provisions I authored. The first, will clarify that not all food sold through vending machines is subject to sales tax. The second is the a provision that will allow Maple Grove more flexibility in creating TIF zones in order to spur economic development. This is a good bill for Minnesota that I hope Governor Dayton will sign.
Education Budget Bill Passed House & Senate
After last session's historic investments in education, we are continuing to invest in our students to make sure they get the world-class education they deserve. The bill puts $1.1 billion in new money into education. That includes making smarter investments in early learning initiatives and reforms that will help students learn by keeping the best teachers in the classroom. I hope Governor Dayton will sign this bill to make a strong investment in education. Highlights from the bill with Governor Dayton's priorities underlined, include:
- Invests in our schools. Minnesota schools will see more than $1.1 billion in increased funding to ensure that every child in Minnesota has access to a great education.
- Places More Dollars in the Classroom. Focusing the vast majority of new funding on the per-pupil formula will ensure education resources are put where they’re most effective—in the classroom helping students and teachers.
- Commits to Early Education. Our littlest learners are prioritized thanks to more than $370 million in early education funding—including flexible funding for all schools with Pre-K programming.
- Tackles the Teacher Shortage. Key reforms and innovative grant programs will help schools retain the best teachers and address teacher shortages in Greater Minnesota by recruiting the next generation of educators.
- Keeps Kids Safe. Testing for lead in schools will ensure Minnesota kids have clean drinking water.
REAL ID Conference Committee
We continue to discuss how best to solves our differences and come to a solution so that Minnesotans are able to get a REAL ID. As a reminder, you can watch the video I put together on REAL ID here.
Osseo Vintage Car Show this Saturday
This Saturday is the 25th Annual Vintage Car Show and Craft Sale in Osseo. It's always a great time and hopefully I'll see you there. Click here or view the flyer below for details.
Please continue to share your thoughts with me about our state government; bill ideas and concerns are welcomed! I am honored to serve you at the Capitol. My email address is Rep.Dennis.Smith@house.mn, phone number 651-296-5502, and by mail: 375 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Have a great weekend!
Dennis